• IELTS, the International English Language Testing System, is designed to assess the language ability of candidates who need to study or work where English is the language of communication.
• IELTS conforms to the highest international standards of language assessment. It covers the four language skills – listening, reading, writing and speaking.
• IELTS encourages, reflects and tests English as it is used in work, study and life. This real life authenticity gives you a personal and valid indicator of just how good you are!

• IELTS is recognised by employers in many countries, including Australia, Canada, New Zealand, the UK and the USA. A full list of institutions recognising IELTS is available on the IELTS website http://bandscore.ielts.org
• IELTS is recognised by educational institutions all over the world: almost all higher educational institutions in the UK and over 1800 in the USA, including prestigious Ivy League colleges.
• IELTS (over 6) is accepted by the Polish Civil Service Office as an English language qualification required from Polish civil servants.
• IELTS is recognised by government agencies and professional bodies all over the world.  
• IELTS is required by the immigration authorities of Australia, New Zealand and Canada for immigration purposes.
• IELTS (band 6,5 or more) is required by the Home Office in the UK as a language qualification for people applying for British citizenship.
• IELTS is recognised by the Polish Ministry of Education (above band 6 or more) as a language qualification for tour guides.
• IELTS is recognised by many Polish Universities including:

University	City
Akademia Marynarki Wojennej im. Bohaterów Westerplatte	Gdynia
Akademia Medyczna	Białystok
Akademia Muzyczna im. Grażyny i Kiejstuta Bacewiczów	Łódź
Akademia Rolnicza	Szczecin
Akademia Rolnicza	Wrocław
Akademia Sztuk Pięknych	Wrocław
Akademia Wychowania Fizycznego i Sportu im. Jędrzeja Śniadeckiego	Gdańsk
Bielska Wyższa Szkoła Biznesu i Informatyki im. J. Tyszkiewicza	Bielsko-Biała
Collegium Civitas	Warszawa
Gdańska Wyższa Szkoła Humanistyczna	Gdańsk
Górnośląska Wyższa Szkoła Przedsiębiorczości im. Karola Goduli	Chorzów
Kolegium Nauczycielskie im. Grzegorza Piramowicza	Wrocław
Krakowska Wyższa Szkoła Promocji Zdrowia	Kraków
Łużycka Wyższa Szkoła Humanistyczna	Żary
NNKJO	Kraków
NNKJO	Łomża
Państwowa Wyższa Szkoła	Chełm
Państwowa Wyższa Szkoła Zawodowa	Elbląg
Politechnika Częstochowska	Czestochowa
Politechnika Białostocka	Białystok
Politechnika Opolska	Opole
Politechnika Śląska	Katowice
Politechnika Świętokrzyska	Kielce
Nauczycielskie Kolegium Języków Obcych	Chojnice
Prywatna Wyższa Szkoła Ochrony Środowiska	Radom
Prywatna Wyższa Szkoła Zawodowa	Giżycko
Salezjaska Wyższa Szkoła Ekonomii i Zarządzania	Łódź
Szkoła Wyższa Psychologii Społecznej	Warszawa
Uniwersytet Łódzki	Łódź
Uniwersytet Zielonogórski	Zielona Góra
Wielkopolska Wyższa Szkoła Humanistyczno-Ekonomiczna	Jarocin
Wyższa Szkoła Agrobiznesu	Łomża
Wyższa Szkoła Biznesu	Dąbrowa Górnicza
Wyższa Szkoła Ekologii i Zarządzania	Warszawa
Wyższa Szkoła Ekonomii i Informatyki	Kraków
Wyższa Szkoła Gospodarki Krajowej	Kutno
Wyższa Szkoła Handlu i Rachunkowości	Poznań
Wyższa Szkoła Handlowa	Piotrków Trybunalski
Wyższa Szkoła Handlu i Prawa im. Ryszarda Łazarskiego	Warszawa
Wyższa Szkoła Humanistyczno-Ekonomiczna	Brzeg
Wyższa Szkoła Humanistyczno-Przyrodnicza. Studium Generale Sandomiriense	Sandomierz
Wyższa Szkoła Przedsiębiorczości i Administracji	Lublin
Wyższa Szkoła Zarządzania	Gdańsk
Wyższa Szkoła Zarządzania Gospodarką Regionalną i Turystyką	Kielce
Wyższa Szkoła Zarządzania Ochroną Pracy	Katowice
Zespół Kolegiów Nauczycielskich	Koszalin

IELTS is available in two modules: Academic and General Training. The choice of the test version depends on the requirements of the institution you are applying for.

• Academic module is recommended for candidates planning to study in English at an undergraduate or postgraduate level.
• General Training is suitable for candidates who are going to English speaking countries to undertake work experience or training programmes not at degree level, or for immigration purposes to Australia, Canada and New Zealand.

IELTS consists of four parts: Listening, Reading, Writing and Speaking. All candidates take the same Listening and Speaking Modules. There is a choice of Reading and Writing Modules – Academic or General Training.

You can take IELTS at the British Council offices in Warsaw and Kraków. The exam is offered twice a month.  The test can also be conducted at another venue at the request of an institution registering a large group of candidates. For more details contact:

Britsh Council Warsaw
Integrated Customer Services
Al. Jerozolimskie 59
00-697 Warszawa
Tel: (00 48) (22) 695 59 00
E-mail: IELTS.Warsaw@britishcouncil.pl  

Britsh Council Kraków
Examination Services
Rynek Główny 6 (1^st Floor)
31-042 Kraków
Tel: (00 48) (12) 428 59 36 or 428 59 37
E-mail: IELTS.Cracow@britishcouncil.pl  

In 2008 and 2009 in Warsaw:

Exam date*	Day of the week	Registration deadline	Module available
18/09/2008	Thursday	06/08/2008	A
27/09/2008	Saturday	14/08/2008	GT + A
11/10/2008	Saturday	29/08/2008	GT + A
23/10/2008	Thursday	10/09/2008	A
08/11/2008	Saturday	26/09/2008	GT + A
20/11/2008	Thursday	08/10/2008	GT + A
04/12/2008	Thursday	22/10/2008	A
15/01/2009	Thursday	03/12/2008	GT + A
31/01/2009	Saturday	19/12/2008	A
07/02/2009	Saturday	19/12/2008	GT + A
21/02/2009	Saturday	09/01/2009	GT + A
07/03/2009	Saturday	23/01/2009	GT + A
21/03/2009	Saturday	06/02/2009	GT + A
18/04/2009	Saturday	06/03/2009	GT + A
30/04/2009	Thursday	18/03/2009	GT + A
09/05/2009	Saturday	27/03/2009	GT + A
21/05/2009	Thursday	08/04/2009	A
20/06/2009	Saturday	08/05/2009	A
27/06/2009	Saturday	15/05/2009	GT + A
23/07/2009	Thursday	10/06/2009	GT + A
22/08/2009	Saturday	10/07/2009	GT + A
17/09/2009	Thursday	05/08/2009	A
26/09/2009	Saturday	14/08/2009	GT + A
08/10/2009	Thursday	26/08/2009	GT + A
31/10/2009	Saturday	18/09/2009	A
07/11/2009	Saturday	25/09/2009	GT + A
19/11/2009	Thursday	07/10/2009	A
05/12/2009	Saturday	23/10/2009	GT + A

*The speaking module may be taken during a period of 7 days before or after the written test.

In 2008 and 2009 in Kraków:

Exam date*	Day of the week	Registration deadline	Module available
18/09/2008	Thursday	06/08/2008	A
04/10/2008	Saturday	22/08/2008	A
25/10/2008	Saturday	12/09/2008	GT + A
08/11/2008	Saturday	26/09/2008	GT + A
20/11/2008	Thursday	08/10/2008	GT + A
04/12/2008	Thursday	22/10/2008	A
15/01/2009	Thursday	03/12/2008	GT + A
31/01/2009	Saturday	19/12/2008	A
07/02/2009	Saturday	19/12/2008	GT + A
12/02/2009	Thursday	22/12/2008	A
05/03/2009	Thursday	21/01/2009	A
21/03/2009	Saturday	06/02/2009	GT + A
04/04/2009	Saturday	20/02/2009	A
18/04/2009	Saturday	06/03/2009	GT + A
09/05/2009	Saturday	27/03/2009	GT + A
30/05/2009	Saturday	17/04/2009	GT + A
20/06/2009	Saturday	08/05/2009	A
27/06/2009	Saturday	15/05/2009	GT + A
04/07/2009	Saturday	22/05/2009	A
05/09/2009	Saturday	24/07/2009	GT + A
26/09/2009	Saturday	14/08/2009	GT + A
08/10/2009	Thursday	26/08/2009	GT + A
24/10/2009	Saturday	11/09/2009	GT + A
07/11/2009	Saturday	25/09/2009	GT + A
19/11/2009	Thursday	07/10/2009	A
03/12/2009	Thursday	21/10/2009	A

*The speaking module may be taken during a period of 7 days before or after the written test.

In order to register for IELTS, you should:

1. Read the IELTS Regulation 2008 carefully.

2. Become familiar with the Information for Candidates (PDF file).

3. Complete and sign the IELTS Statement (PDF file).

4. Fill in the IELTS Application Form (PDF file)

5. Pay the IELTS fee:
600 PLN - Payment slip for payments made in PLN (PDF file).

IMPORTANT: when completing the section of your payment slip entitled “Tytułem” use the following descriptions: IELTS/ Centre Name/Candidate’s Name and Surname/date of exam, e.g.

IELTS/WAR/PAWEŁ KOMAR/7/01/06 for candidates sitting the test in Warsaw:

IELTS/KRA/ PAWEŁ KOMAR/7/01/06 for candidates sitting the test in Kraków

*in making payments from outside Poland precede the bank account number with the letters PL and the Swift code CITIPLPX. If you wish to pay in GBP, contact us: IELTS@britishcouncil.pl

6. Submit the completed and signed Application Form, the completed and signed IELTS Statement, the copy of proof of payment and 2 recent passport size photographs (colour or black and white) to the British Council office no later than the registration deadline.

You can either bring your IELTS registration documents to the British Council office in person or you can send them to us by post at the following addresses:

British Council Warsaw
Integrated Customer Services
Al. Jerozolimskie 59
00-697 Warszawa

British Council Krakow
Examination Services
Rynek Główny 6 (Ist floor)
31-042 Krakow

• If registering by post make sure that your entry documentation is complete and sent in time to reach us before the registration deadline.
• Entries received after the registration deadline will only be accepted if places are still available.
• Incomplete entries will not be accepted.
• Faxed or e-mailed application materials are not accepted.
• You can collect the IELTS registration documents at the British Council offices in Warsaw and Krakow. We can also send you the documents by post. In this case contact us sufficiently early so as to meet the registration closing date.

• You will receive information about the venue of the written test and the venue and date of the speaking part by e-mail approximately 2 weeks before the test date. This will also be available at this page.
• The written parts of the IELTS examination start at 9:00 a.m and last for about 3 hours (without a break).
• The speaking module may be taken during a period of seven days before or after the written test. Usually it is organised on the day of the written test, however this depends on the amount of candidates taking the test on a given date.

• IELTS results are issued 13 days after the test.
• We will send you your Test Report Form (TRF) by registered post.
• Test centres are not permitted to give results over the phone or by fax or email.
• You may collect TRFs in person or through an authorised person (possessing an authorisation form completed by the candidate). You should notify the test centre of this fact no later than 7 days after the written exam.
• TRFs are recommended as valid for two years.
• A score is given for each module of the test (on a 1-9 band scale). The individual module scores are then calculated to produce an Overall Band Score (on a 1-9 band scale).  
• From 1 July 2007 the Writing and Speaking modules are reported in whole or half-bands in the same way as the Reading and Listening modules.
• One copy for the candidate and up to 5 copies to receiving institutions indicated in the Application Form will be sent at no extra charge.  An administrative fee is charged for the despatch of each additional copy – 10 PLN for local post and 20 PLN for international post. Copies of your Test Report Form can be sent directly to institutions on your behalf within the two years of their validity. You can ask for your results to be forwarded by downloading the Application for additional TRFs Form. Complete the form and send it to our office.
• There exists no possibility of seeing your examination papers after the test.
• You can take the IELTS test again on any test date.

The IELTS Test Report form includes a candidate’s score, on a Band Scale from 1 to 9 for each module of the test as well as an overall Band Score on a scale from 1 to 9. Each Band corresponds to a descriptive statement giving a summary of English competence. The nine bands and their descriptive statements are:

9 -  Expert User
Has a fully operational command of the language: appropriate, accurate and fluent with complete understanding.

8 -  Very Good User
Has a fully operational command of the language with only occasional unsystematic inaccuracies and inappropriacies. Misunderstandings may occur in unfamiliar situations. Handles complex detailed argumentation well.

7 - Good User
Has an operational command of the language, though with occasional inaccuracies, inappropriacies and misunderstandings in some situations. Generally handles complex language well and understands detailed reasoning.

6 - Competent User
Has a generally effective command of the language despite some inaccuracies, inappropriacies and misunderstandings. Can use and understand fairly complex language, particularly in familiar situations.

5 - Modest User
Has a partial command of the language, coping with overall meaning in most situations, though is likely to make many mistakes. Should be able to handle basic communication in own field.

4 - Limited User
Basic competence is limited to familiar situations. Has a frequent problem in understanding and expression. Is not able to use complex language.

3 - Extremely Limited User
Conveys and understands only general meaning in very familiar situations. Frequent breakdowns in communication occur.

2 - Intermittent User
No real communication is possible except for the most basic information using isolated words or short formulae in familiar situations and to meet immediate needs. Has great difficulty understanding spoken and written English.

1 - Non User
Essentially has no ability to use the language beyond possibly a few isolated words.

0 - Did not attempt the test
No assessable information provided.

Fourteen young professionals from around the world share their top tips for succeeding in the IELTS test. Watch the videos now!

A preparation course is not a requirement for candidates who want to register for IELTS.  However, candidates wishing to receive tuition may attend an IELTS preparation course organised by the British Council in Warsaw and Kraków. For more information contact the British Council English Teaching Centre.

	Warsaw	Krakow
phone	(0048) (022) 695 59 00, 695 59 62	(0048) (022) 428 59 30, 428 59 39
e-mail	etc@britishcouncil.pl	bc.krakow@britishcouncil.pl
Work Hours	Monday - Friday	Monday - Friday
	8:30-19:00	8:30-19:00

British Council test preparation materials:

“How to Prepare for IELTS” and “Sample Test” are available at:

	Warsaw	Kraków
	British Council Integrated Customer Services	British Council office
phone:	(00 48) (22) 695 59 00	(0048) (012) 428 59 30, 428 59 39
Work hours:	Monday to Friday 8.30 - 19:00, Saturday 8:30 - 13:30.	Monday to Friday 8.30 – 19.00.
e-mail:	IELTS.Warsaw@britishcouncil.pl	bc.krakow@britishcouncil.pl

IELTS materials purchased on the British Council’s premises in Warsaw and Kraków are not cash redeemable.

One copy is also available for reference at the British Council Warsaw and Kraków (Monday-Friday 8.30-16.15) and at all the British Libraries in Poland. Addresses available at http://www.britishcouncil.org/poland-partner-libraries-network.htm

To view IELTS sample papers click here

COUNCIL OF EUROPE LEVELS

The Council of Europe Common European Framework of Reference is intended to describe the criteria of language knowledge and skills of language learners across Europe. Please find below a comparison of IELTS with the Council of Europe global scale levels.

	Detailed description
A1 Break-through	Can understand and use familiar everyday expressions and very basic phrases aimed at the satisfaction of needs of a concrete type. Can introduce him/herself and others and can ask and answer questions about personal details such as where he/she lives, people he/she knows and things he/she has. Can interact in a simple way provided the other person talks slowly and clearly and is prepared to help.
A2 Waystage	Can understand sentences and frequently used expressions related to areas of most immediate relevance (e.g. very basic personal and family information, shopping, local geography, employment). Can communicate in simple and routine tasks requiring a simple and direct exchange of information on familiar and routine matters. Can describe in simple terms aspects of his/her background, immediate environment and matters in areas of immediate need.
B1 Threshold	Can understand the main points of clear standard input on familiar matters regularly encountered in work, school, leisure, etc. Can deal with most situations likely to arise whilst travelling in an area where the language is spoken. Can produce simple connected text on topics which are familiar or of personal interest. Can describe experiences and events, dreams, hopes and ambitions and briefly give reasons and explanations for opinions and plans.
B2 Vantage	Can understand the main ideas of complex text on both concrete and abstract topics, including technical discussions in his/her field of specialisation. Can interact with a degree of fluency and spontaneity that makes regular interaction with native speakers quite possible without strain for either party. Can produce clear, detailed text on a wide range of subjects and explain a viewpoint on a topical issue, giving the advantages and disadvantages of various options.
C1 Effective Proficiency	Can understand a wide range of demanding, longer texts, and recognise implicit meaning. Can express him/herself fluently and spontaneously without much obvious searching for expressions. Can use language flexibly and effectively for social, academic and professional purposes. Can produce clear, well-structured, detailed text on complex subjects, showing controlled use of organisational patterns, connectors and cohesive devices.
C2 Mastery	Can understand with ease virtually everything heard or read. Can summarise information from different spoken and written sources, reconstructing arguments and accounts in a coherent presentation. Can express him/herself spontaneously, very fluently and precisely, differentiating finer shades of meaning even in more complex situations.

For more information please visit the Council of Europe webpage.